Microscopic Fish: A Photographic Journey Through the Life Stages of Fishes of the Gulf of Maine

Fish have a complex life history which includes a period where the newly hatched larvae (yes, fish come from eggs!) are carried by the currents and are part of the plankton--specifically what scientist call "ichthyoplankton." Researchers at the Wells Reserve have been studying the types of fish utilizing our local estuaries since the early 90's.

Part of that research has been our continuous "larval fish monitoring project," which has been sampling these "recently hatched" larval fishes since 2008 from the Webhannet River Estuary. During that time, a group of dedicated students, interns, and volunteers (led by Research Scientist Jeremy Miller) have amassed an impressive and detailed "photographic library" of the larval fishes entering the Webhannet River Estuary (both native species and "visitors" alike).

Come see some of the amazing photographs of these tiny larvae (all taken here at the Reserve) and see what these fish look like as they make their way (very quickly) through a complex and downright dangerous journey from egg to larvae to juvenile and finally adults! "They grow up so fast!"